The zoo provides a home and rehabilitation for at-risk animals as well as chances for visitors to interact with the animals every day.

Phoebe Falconer checks out another great summer holiday place within an hour's drive of downtown Auckland.

Paul Rush goes on a journey of discovery and draws on his survival skills to become a castaway.

Phoebe Falconer suggests a series of great summer holiday destinations within an hour's drive of downtown Auckland.

Visitors to the Coromandel say a $40 fine for freedom campers will do little to deter those who choose to doss down in beach carparks.

Lava caves, lava fields, pillars and tunnels are all part of Rangitoto's landscape.

The Tongariro Crossing seems to agree with energetic children a lot more than weary adults, finds Helen van Berkel.

Liz Light explores the quiet villages of the Kaipara Harbour.

A global travel magazine highlights Kaikoura as a place to have a whale of a time over Christmas.

Paul Rush embraces nature in a remote forest sanctuary.

Bored with flash hotels and lodges? Then plan to spend your holidays in a houseboat, or a teepee, or a barn.

Chocoholics rejoice, heaven has landed in the holiday destination of Mangawhai, a short drive from Auckland.

Pam Neville takes a different view of one of New Zealand's greatest beauty spots.

NZ's lush green pastures, snowy mountain peaks and clear lakes are turning the country into a "wedding photo tourism" hotspot.

Helen Van Berkel searches the Hauraki Gulf for those gentle giants - Bryde's whales

Campervanning with preschoolers is far more fun than it sounds, writes Steve Deane.

Herald Travel editor Jim Eagles on why a local vacation may turn out to be the most relaxing break you've ever had.

There was some sex, a little violence, home improvements and some intimate dining-in - it could have been any night of reality television but in fact these scenarios were being played out among the kotuku.

Altitude and adventure mingle on this helihike.

Australasian passport holders arriving in NZ now no longer need to be checked by a Customs official.

A leisurely ride through stunning Otago leads Joanna Sullivan to aesthetic heaven.

Jill Worrall makes the most of a rare clear West Coast morning with a flight over the Southern Alps.

Jill Worrall puts her new hip through its paces on a tour of Franz Josef Glacier.

When I find out we're going to be riding a 'trike', it's hard to stop my mind conjuring up images of a 3-wheeler kiddy toy.

A luxury lodge has finally opened in Pakiri after a storm of protest over its prominent position on the cliff top overlooking the iconic beach.

Once known as the Bath of the South, Te Aroha's charms are especially romantic.

The historic Kingston Flyer train, stations and railway line are being sold by receivers.

Monique Balvert O'Connor learns why thousands put cave rafting in their top 10.

Heather Ramsay rounds up the best of what's on around New Zealand.